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Gerona
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Gerona
City Guide
The province of Gerona lies in the north-east of Spain, bordering on the frontier with France. The first inhabitants in the region were Iberians.
The Romans built a citadel there, which was given the name Gerunda (hence, the Spanish name Gerona). Gerona was then ruled by the Visigoths until it was conquered by the Moors. In 785 Charlemagne reconquered it and made it one of the fourteen original countships of Catalonia. Guifré I incorporated Gerona to the county of Barcelona in 878.
The 12th century saw a flourishing of the Jewish community which became one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe with one of the most important Kabbalistic schools. The history of the Jewish community of Gerona ended in 1492, when the Catholic Kings expelled all the Jews from Spain.
Being so close to the French border, Gerona suffered several sieges by the French during the 17th and 18th centuries. It also withstood three invasions by Napoleon's troops. Because of this Gerona is known as 'The city of a thousand sieges'.
The defensive city walls were demolished in the 19th century to allow for the expansion of the city. In recent years the remaining parts of the eastern city walls were reconstructed and now the Paseo de la Muralla forms a touristic walking route around the old city.
Must See in
Gerona
- Gerona sits in the Ter valley and the city is split by the Onyar River which is best viewed from the ancient footbridge. Most of the tourist sights can be found close to the river.The best way to see Gerona is by foot.
- Gerona's most famous site is Gerona Cathedral as its supposed to have the biggest Gothic era nave in the world.
Whether this is true it is certainly worth contemplating for its unique architecture and the 12th Century Tapestry of the Creation. There are fantastic views of the whole city from the bell tower.
- Another area worth visiting is the Call, a Catalan word for the Jewish quarter. The artery of the quarter is the carrer de la Forca. Halfway along la Forca is the Museu d'Historia dels Jueues, chronicling the fascinating history of Gerona's Jews. Close by, the 13th-century Banys Arabs (Arab Baths) are well worth the visit.
- The Rambla, the main shopping thoroughfare, bursts into bloom on Sunday mornings for the flower market. Shops and cafés shelter beneath the great arches.
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